I was told to come up with a theme, not write the rules. Probably an oversight on my part.
I didn't think it needed to be broken down (it's not like it's asking for an arm and a leg; convert A into B and make sure it looks like a B), but since the original theme is mine, I imagine there's nothing against me explaining it for the OP.
-Entries must be songs from a Castlevania following the SNES (or if you prefer, chiptune) era. This roughly means everything SotN-onward. More specifically, the games whose songs cannot be used are CV1-3 (their FC counterparts included), Vampire Killer, SCVIV, DXX, and Bloodlines. Songs originally heard in these games that made reappearances in post-SNES titles, however, are allowed.
-Entries are expected to follow the hardware limitations of the chosen console style. This is as-follows:
>NES downmixes are to follow proper channel limitations (noise, triangle, DPCM, and two pulse channels), with expansions as necessary (extra three for VRC6, etc.).
>SNES downmixes do not necessarily have to follow the console's method of mid-song channel switching, but its maximum of twelve channels is not to be exceeded.
-Entries must emulate the chosen style of sound as accurately as the contestant is able to replicate. It would be advised, if needed, to study the songs of the style in question - and perhaps even load them into a soundchip player and isolate the channels - and see what makes the style tick. Selected listening is not mandatory, however.
-There are no rule reprimands for selecting a style similar to the downmixed song (converting a GBA game to a SNES sound, for instance, due to the similar nature of both console's soundchips),
nor for conversions which might be deemed "too easy," like converting HoD songs into CV3's style (which HoD's soundstyle is an obvious callback to). Judges may have their own grievances and preferences, but due to the subjective nature of the matter this will not violate any rules and thus is allowed. No matter what the good Reverend might think.
There. My theme was not as poorly thought-out as you're suggesting. I merely forgot that the technicalities of this subject aren't as common knowledge to others as they are to me when typing up the proposal.
Converting GBA to SNES is really a cop-out entry IMO. The sound capabilities of SNES and GBA not far off. In fact the SNES is actually more powerful in that regard, so it's not even a down-grade. If you're going to do GBA then make it NES so it's actually got some work put into it.
We really needed way tightener and thought out rules for this contest.
it's 2015 and people still misuse "cop-out" what the fuck is this world coming to
I'd like to note that Chern got the gist, and AFAIK he doesn't even do chiptunes. The snide attitude is unnecessary.